A heartbroken little girl from Basildon was devastated after her pumpkin was destroyed outside her house on Halloween.

Avaleigh Lara, aged 5, was ‘in a state’ after discovering her pumpkin had been smashed on the floor outside their front gate.

Avaleigh's impressive pumpkin carving

Charlotte Lara, 32, Avaleigh’s mum said: “She was waiting by the front door with the bowl of sweets so excited to be giving them out.

“While we ate dinner we didn’t answer the door. After, my husband had to go to work so we was at the front door too so she could wave, and there it was outside our gate. Smashed up.”

“She just broke down in tears, it was horrible. To her it wasn’t just a pumpkin it was something she worked hard on with me.”

Avaleigh was left devastated when she found her pumpkin had been destroyed

Mrs Lara took to a community Facebook group to vent her anger at what had happened and was met by the kindness and generosity of strangers.

Lots of people commented on her post offering her plain and carved pumpkins that Avaleigh could have.

In one step further, Southend News Network compiled a post to help cheer her up which resulted in her having afternoon tea with an ‘Elsa’ impersonator from Frozen this weekend.

Charlotte said: “I am still so shocked how wonderful everyone has been. I didn’t expect people to give their pumpkins and arrange an afternoon tea for her. The response really touched me, people can be so lovely.”

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A cafe along Southend-on-Sea seafront has offered a free afternoon tea where Charlotte, Avaleigh and ‘Elsa’ can enjoy food and drink together. ATTIC, which stands for ‘all the teas in China’ specialises in fruit teas and often put on special afternoon tea parties.

Carol Carr, the owner of the ATTIC, said: “I have a six year old granddaughter who lives in New York. I would be so sad if that happened to her and her pumpkin, so just want the little girl to smile and be happy.”

Charlotte’s original post was shared more than 130 times with many people commenting their dismay at what had happened.

Avaleigh was donated six pumpkins to replace the one she worked so hard to make

Six pumpkins have already been donated to Charlotte and Avaleigh, with more donations being offered since the incident happened.

Charlotte said: “I can’t wait to see her little face and take a photo of her with all her pumpkins and a big smile. I haven’t told her so far about the tea party… I will keep it a surprise.”

The ATTIC cafe can be found near the seafront on Eastern Esplanade, Southend-On-Sea.